Posted on May 31, 2017
Any SOCMs on here that have tips on how to get into the course?
111K
68
30
8
8
0
I'm a prior 11B looking to re enlist as a 68W. I want to go through the SOCM course. I'm also already a NREMT.
Posted in these groups: 
Combat Medic
Special Operations Combat Medical Skills Sustainment Program (SOCMSSP)
Combat Medic Special Operations Combat Medical Skills Sustainment Program (SOCMSSP)
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 18
21
21
0
I was EXACTLY where you are. I started as an 11B,then reclassed to 68W, and killed myself at the course, academically, and was the distinguished honor grad. THAT got me, since I was airborne qualified, an opportunity, to go to a USASOC slot that was open, and through that, SOCM. FANTASTIC course. Be prepared to bite down on the fire hose, though. If you cannot handle a SUPER intense academic load, don't bother. If you aren't in the top 1/3 of your 68W class.....seriously reevaluate your priorities. A GREAT way to go, also, is to put in to become a Flight Medic, then try out for the 160th. Also, since you have your NREMT, you will be given the option of skipping the first 6 weeks of 68W. Don't do it. You are ineligible for graduation honors, and, if you get honor graduate, or distinguished honor graduate, it opens doors.
(21)
(0)
13
13
0
The 68W course still has very high graduation standards but soldiers do not require a super high GT score on the front end. Be diligent and stay focused
(13)
(0)
9
9
0
I would ask yourself what is your end goal career wise. You want to be an Emergency Room Physician? PA? RN? Medical Service Corps Officer? NCO Combat Medic? There are a lot of pathways to get there. Some involve talking time from your young life to serve your time for the training you received. Some have exciting opportunities but require sacrificing a comfortable life in The process. They start everyone out at a basic level but go fast. This is because they have guys starting with no medical experience. Hard to believe but true. I heard you can challenge the EMT-Paramedic boards after the course but remember that Paramedics in the US don’t make as much money for what they do as you would like. Many move on after being paramedics. Check out being a 68-W in the 160th or Ranger Batt. I think as long as you do well other doors will open up.
(9)
(0)
SSG Beth Slade
I was a medic for 14 years. If you already have NREMT, my suggestion would be to work on going for the SOCOM re-enlistment. When I went through AIT, it was still 91B, and NREMT was an extra. When I was still in, (don't take my words as standard, I've been out since 2010), it seemed like NREMT was the goal, not an extra perk. Not saying you wouldnt learn anything, a refresher is always good, but there's also a better than average chance you would be bored out of your skull. MEDDAC is a completely different world than what you're used to. Check it out with some recent grads, then make the decision. I think someone in your shoes would be happier going for the bigger challenge of SOCOM. I've met and had the privilege of working with a few SF Medics. Those guys rival any PA I've ever worked with.
Here's the harsh reality of taking 68W (non-SF trained) into the civilian world: EMT-B is all you're going to get without further training, and good luck finding a paying position.
Here's the harsh reality of taking 68W (non-SF trained) into the civilian world: EMT-B is all you're going to get without further training, and good luck finding a paying position.
(2)
(0)
4
4
0
I recently retired and was the Special Warfare Medical Group S3 SGM...only 68Ws assigned to or enroute to a USASOC unit may attend SOCM. So here are your options 1. SF/CA selection 2. RASP 3. SOAR 4. SF Group Support Battalion. All that being said, SOCM is not a pathway to PA school, it’s a pathway to being a special ops combat medic period. Having your EMT is good but you will still have to complete the EMT phase. Good luck.
(4)
(0)
SGM (Join to see)
I didn't realize that you were in the NG. You can contact the closest ARNG SF unit and see if they will take you into there Group Support BN as a 68W.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Never did this myself, but knew a few in my career... these guys are the equivalent of an "IDC" in the navy... INDEPENDENT DUTY CORPSMAN... basically your equivalent of an "RN"... good course of instruction... knew a GANG of great corpsman/medics in the departments... highly skilled and totally calm under fire!... god BLESS THEM... as we're lucky to have them!.. HOOAH!..
(3)
(0)
2
2
0
When it comes to some MOS I’d rather they keep the standards high . Being a medic is one of them
(2)
(0)
1
1
0
I retired as a 68W. A lot of changes in the curriculum since my day. You will definitely have to complete the Combat Medic portion of the course. The EMT Portion since you are already an EMT would be used for CEU's (Continuing Education Units). This would be a good thing as you will not have to worry about CEU"s for two years. Make sure you have all your documentation prior to departure. The Way I understand the SOCM Course and please some one chime in to update me. Is that the SOCM Course is in lieu of RASP for the Ranger Regiment for medical personnel. Upon completion of SOCM you can be assigned to the Ranger Regiment or continue on to the Flight medic or the Special Forces medical program if selected.
Anything in medicine will be challenging. READ the current EMT Book prior to going to the course. also their are alot of good apps to download to study for test. EMT Prep. comes to mind.
Anything in medicine will be challenging. READ the current EMT Book prior to going to the course. also their are alot of good apps to download to study for test. EMT Prep. comes to mind.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
When I was AD, there was no formal SCOM course. You started out with the 18D students and come out of the course at basically where SCOM ends now. I started out as an 11B and picked up my 91B (Now 68W) as a secondary. After six years, I ETSed and went the civilian route. Now I am a paramedic and RN. My training and skills have taken me all over the world. Look at what your end game is. If you want SCOM, you have to pay your dues and live the life. It’s a spartan life, but the rewards are great.
“I’m no hero, but I have walked among them.”
“I’m no hero, but I have walked among them.”
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Army medics can not challenge paramedic. They come out with a national registry EMT-Basic Cert. Paramedic is an additional 2 years of schooling.
(1)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
Recent change to SOCM, you can challenge the NREMT-P immediately after completing the course, and it's paid for by the army.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
I’m a paramedic in the civilian world and work at one of the training sites that the SOCM’s come to do their hospital and ambulance clinicals before taking their paramedic National registry. Have had many ride me with me but have no idea how to get in to the course.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google 
